Nashville Union

[From the November number of the Literary and Dramatic Society's Magazine.]
Ho! toiler of the moody brow!
Ho! youth of downcast eye!
Why should'st thou talk of sinking now.
Why heave that bitter sigh?
Come, coin thy thoughts in hope's bright mould,
And light that cheek so pale;
For youth's like thee, so young and bold,
There's no such word as fail!
Art crossed in love? Let beauty frown;
Turn thou to surer game;
Turn to the virtuous deed's renown,
And earn a deathless name.
Turn to the works of godlike men;
Hoist up a daring sail;
And if thou stumblest, try again
There's no such word as fail!
The Spanish voyager crossed the sea
To seek another world;
And sickening in despondency,
His weary sails he furled.
But, taking heart, he wended on,
Till land-birds filled the gale;
Columbus saw his work was done—
There's no such word as fail!
Thousands who rose from want and gloom
Are now in grandeur laid.
With storied marbles o'er their tombs,
In many a minster's shade;
Whilst noble youths, with bended heads
Think, as the brow they veil,
And learn the glories o' the dead—
There's no such word as fail!
And thou, oh, youth of moody look,
Cheer up thy sinking heart!
Try a new leaf in life's worn book,
Con o'er a better part.
A mocking devil bids thee fear,
But turn and cry-all hail!
And shout into his aching ear—
There's no such word as fail!
NELLY BLY.